Below is every ingredient in Cosiq Bha 2 Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Emulsion Face Serum 30Ml 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild stinging or irritation | Uncommon | Transient sensation, more likely on broken or compromised skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Hives or wheals shortly after application in allergic individuals. |
| Delayed wound healing | Very rare | Reported in some studies when applied to certain surgical or deep wounds. |
| Sticky or tacky skin feel | Common | Cosmetic sensation at higher concentrations, not a health concern. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or with high concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or moisture-wicking in very low humidity | Uncommon | Can theoretically draw water from skin in extremely dry environments if not paired with occlusives. |
| 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. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Follicular irritation linked to its occlusive and pore-clogging tendency. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on formulation. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional mild irritation reported on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Contact allergy or sensitization | Very rare | Uncommon for this olive-based emulsifier; isolated case reports exist but it is considered low-sensitizing. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aloe Vera Leaf Extract^ Soothing/humectant | Aloe vera leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly added to moisturizers, after-sun products, and gels to support skin comfort and barrier hydration. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Se Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions, also providing a softening, conditioning effect on skin. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cetearyl Olivate (And) Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifier | Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate is an olive-derived, non-ionic emulsifier blend used to combine oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions, often marketed under the trade name Olivem 1000. It also imparts a light, skin-conditioning texture and is valued for its mildness and skin compatibility. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine Antistatic/conditioning agent | Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine is a coconut-derived tertiary amine used in hair and skin care products primarily as an antistatic, conditioning, and emulsifying agent. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a 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. |
| 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. |
| Polysorbate 80 Emulsifier / surfactant / solubilizer | Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to emulsify oil and water phases and solubilize fragrances and oils in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil is a lightweight, linoleic-acid-rich plant oil used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive that softens skin and supports the lipid barrier. It is well tolerated and primarily serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a targeted active. |
| Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil Emollient / occlusive | Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and minor antioxidants, used to soften, condition, and reduce transepidermal water loss in skincare formulations. It serves primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient rather than a targeted treatment 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. |
| Benzyl Alcohol (And) Ethylhexylglycerin (And) Tocopherol Preservative blend / antioxidant | A multifunctional formulation blend combining benzyl alcohol and ethylhexylglycerin as preservatives/skin-conditioning agents with tocopherol (vitamin E) as an antioxidant. It is used to protect products from microbial spoilage and oxidation rather than to treat skin conditions. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.