Below is every ingredient in Dr Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser 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.
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from the fruit of the gardenia plant, rich in iridoid glycosides (such as geniposide and genipin) and crocin pigments that provide antioxidant and soothing properties. It is used in skincare for its potential to protect against oxidative stress and condition the skin.
Cynanchum Atratum Extract is a plant-derived ingredient (from the root of Cynanchum atratum) used in skincare for its purported soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties. It is sometimes promoted for sensitive or irritated skin, though robust clinical evidence is limited.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often included to calm sensitive or acne-prone skin and reduce redness.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Possible with frequent use or in high concentrations, as with most cleansing surfactants. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritation; mild stinging may occur in sensitive individuals or on contact with eyes. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon but possible with any cleansing ingredient. |
| Dryness or transient redness | Rare | More likely in compromised or very sensitive skin with frequent use. |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact; generally considered low-irritation. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Possible with frequent washing, though less than with harsher surfactants. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible, generally related to overall formulation rather than the polymer itself. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible stinging if product accidentally enters the eyes. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Cross-reactivity in birch pollen-allergic individuals | Very rare | Theoretical reaction in those with birch pollen allergy, though topical reactions are uncommon. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate is an amino acid-derived (alanine and coconut fatty acid) anionic surfactant used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in face washes, shampoos, and body cleansers. It is valued for its mildness and good skin compatibility compared to harsher sulfate-based surfactants. |
| Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foam, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for mildness in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a gentle, taurine-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide foaming and cleansing while being milder than sulfate-based surfactants. It is generally well tolerated and often chosen for sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice Humectant / Soothing | Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice is the sap (juice) derived from the white birch tree, used in skincare primarily as a water-based botanical humectant and soothing agent. It contains sugars, amino acids, and minerals and is often included as a hydrating, conditioning component in formulations. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Surfactant/cleansing agent | Lauryl Hydroxysultaine is a zwitterionic (amphoteric) surfactant derived from coconut or synthetic lauryl sources, used as a secondary cleansing and foam-boosting agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It is valued for its mildness and ability to reduce the irritancy of stronger anionic surfactants. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is an amino acid-derived (glycine-based) anionic surfactant produced from coconut fatty acids. It is valued as a gentle, mild cleansing and foaming agent that is less irritating and more skin-compatible than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| 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 Cocoyl Isethionate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle, coconut-derived anionic surfactant widely used in syndet cleansing bars and facial cleansers to produce a creamy lather while being milder than traditional soaps. It cleanses by emulsifying oils and debris with relatively low irritation potential. |
| Sodium Phytate Chelating agent | Sodium Phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, improving product stability and preventing oxidation. It can also offer mild antioxidant support and is often included at low concentrations. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Dextrin Thickener / absorbent / emulsion stabilizer | Dextrin is a polysaccharide derived from the partial hydrolysis of starch, commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening agent, absorbent, and binder to improve texture and stability of formulations. It is considered a formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning extract | Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from the fruit of the gardenia plant, rich in iridoid glycosides (such as geniposide and genipin) and crocin pigments that provide antioxidant and soothing properties. It is used in skincare for its potential to protect against oxidative stress and condition the skin. |
| Hexylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Hexylene glycol is a small glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent, viscosity-reducer, and mild humectant. It helps dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture rather than providing a direct therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract Cleansing/foaming agent (natural surfactant) | Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract is derived from the soap bark tree and is rich in saponins that provide natural foaming, emulsifying, and mild cleansing properties. It is commonly used as a gentle surfactant and as a foam booster in cleansers and shampoos. |
| Ceramide Np Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Glyceryl Caprylate Emollient / antimicrobial co-preservative | Glyceryl Caprylate is a monoglyceride derived from glycerin and caprylic acid, used in skincare as an emollient, moisturizing agent, and skin-conditioning component with mild antimicrobial properties that support preservation. It is commonly employed to help stabilize formulations and reduce reliance on conventional preservatives. |
| Cynanchum Atratum Extract Key active Soothing/conditioning botanical extract | Cynanchum Atratum Extract is a plant-derived ingredient (from the root of Cynanchum atratum) used in skincare for its purported soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties. It is sometimes promoted for sensitive or irritated skin, though robust clinical evidence is limited. |
| 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. |
| Althaea Rosea Flower Extract Soothing/emollient botanical extract | Althaea Rosea (hollyhock) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetics for its mucilage content, which provides soothing, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is commonly included to help calm and hydrate the skin. |
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant / moisturizer | Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid broken into smaller fragments, allowing better penetration into the skin to bind water and improve hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to enhance skin moisture content and surface smoothness. |
| Houttuynia Cordata Extract Key active Soothing antioxidant | Houttuynia Cordata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often included to calm sensitive or acne-prone skin and reduce redness. |
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.