Below is every ingredient in Essential Souls Matcha Face Wash 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.
Matcha Tea Water is a water-based infusion of green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves, providing polyphenols such as EGCG along with caffeine and amino acids. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties, often serving as a functional aqueous base.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient irritation, often related to residual acidity if inadequately neutralized. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; the polymer is generally considered low sensitizing. |
| Transient stinging on application | Uncommon | May occur on compromised or sensitive skin, typically self-limiting. |
| 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. |
| Skin irritation and dryness | Common | Disrupts skin barrier and removes natural lipids, especially at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact |
| Erythema and stinging | Common | Often used as a positive control irritant in dermatological studies |
| Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Irritant rather than true allergic reaction in most cases |
| Oral mucosal irritation/canker sores | Uncommon | Reported with SLS-containing toothpastes in susceptible individuals |
| Allergic contact sensitization | Rare | True allergy is uncommon as SLS is primarily an irritant |
| Skin irritation or mild stinging | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated at typical use concentrations; mild irritation may occur in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Carbopol 940 Thickener/gel-forming agent | Carbopol 940 is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer used as a rheology modifier, emulsion stabilizer, and gelling agent in topical formulations. It provides clear, viscous gels when neutralized and serves as a formulation base 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. |
| Sls Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes to produce foam and remove oil and dirt. It is a base/formulation ingredient and a well-known skin irritant used as a standard in patch-test research. |
| Sodium Methyl Paraben Preservative | Sodium Methyl Paraben is the water-soluble sodium salt of methylparaben, used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative, helping extend product shelf life. |
| Sodium Propylparaben Preservative | Sodium propylparaben is the sodium salt of propylparaben, a paraben-class preservative used to inhibit microbial and fungal growth in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It is water-soluble and typically used at low concentrations in the aqueous phase of products. |
| Matcha Tea Water Key active Antioxidant / soothing humectant | Matcha Tea Water is a water-based infusion of green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves, providing polyphenols such as EGCG along with caffeine and amino acids. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties, often serving as a functional aqueous base. |
| Perfume Fragrance | Perfume (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a desired scent or to mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation role rather than a skin-treating function. |
| 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. |
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.