Below is every ingredient in Essential Souls Matcha Foaming 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 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 | Uncommon | Mild redness or stinging, more likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reported in patch-test studies, though relatively infrequent. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or discomfort if products migrate into the eyes. |
| Dryness or barrier disruption | Rare | Possible with prolonged or high-concentration exposure. |
| 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. |
| Contact irritation | Rare | Mild redness or irritation, more likely on damaged or sensitive skin. |
| Stinging or burning sensation | Very rare | Transient discomfort, particularly when applied to compromised skin. |
| Skin dryness and barrier disruption | Common | Can strip natural lipids with frequent or prolonged use, especially in high concentrations |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Common | Stinging or redness on contact, particularly in sensitive individuals or leave-on products |
| Worsening of existing dermatitis/eczema | Uncommon | May aggravate compromised skin barriers in atopic conditions |
| Concerns regarding 1,4-dioxane contamination | Rare | A trace by-product of ethoxylation; controlled by manufacturing purification standards |
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. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant widely used as a foaming and cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It is generally considered milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate due to ethoxylation. |
| 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.